FanDuel Becomes Toronto Tempo's First iGaming Partner

FanDuel has become the first official iGaming partner of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest franchise. The multi-year agreement marks a significant moment for women's professional sports in Canada. The Tempo will open their inaugural season game on May 8 at Coca-Cola Coliseum against the Washington Mystics. The team is one of two WNBA expansion franchises debuting in 2026, alongside the Portland Fire. Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Tempo are the league's 14th franchise.

FanDuel's Fan Perks, Branding, and Activation Plans

The partnership brings together two brands committed to growing women's sports. FanDuel will deliver exclusive fan initiatives for its customers, in-arena branding, and digital activations. Together, they aim to connect fans with the WNBA inside and outside the arena. "Partnering with the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for FanDuel customers and basketball fans," said Tom Burdakin, FanDuel's Vice President of Marketing.

"As a company that shares the same passion for community and empowering women's sports, we are proud to support a new franchise that will celebrate fans and elevate women's professional sports in Canada." Toronto Tempo Chief Revenue Officer Lisa Ferkul called the deal transformative. "One word to describe this partnership is transformative," she said. "Welcoming FanDuel marks a significant milestone for our organization as we continue to build Canada's first WNBA team and deepen fan engagement."

FanDuel's Existing Canadian Sports Partnerships

FanDuel has built a strong presence in Canada since Ontario's regulated iGaming market launched in April 2022. The company holds partnerships with several major Toronto sports teams, including the Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Toronto FC, and the Argonauts. More recently, FanDuel became one of the first official sportsbook partners of the Professional Women's Hockey League. It also secured a partnership with TSN, starting in Ontario. The Tempo deal deepens that footprint further.

FanDuel has been an official WNBA partner in the U.S. since 2022. The Toronto Tempo deal marks the first time that relationship extends into Canada, arriving as the league records its highest viewership numbers in nearly three decades.

WNBA Viewership Growth and FanDuel's U.S. Roots

The WNBA has seen sharp audience growth heading into the 2026 season. The 2025 season set a 27-year viewership record. ESPN games averaged 1.3 million viewers, up 6% year-on-year. Viewers among under-18s grew 30% over the same period. FanDuel has been an official WNBA partner in the U.S. since September 2022, serving as the league's official sportsbook and daily fantasy partner. The Toronto Tempo partnership extends that relationship into Canada for the first time. The WNBA announced its Canadian expansion in May 2024, and the Tempo became the league's first franchise outside the United States.